12/8/2011 - LaHood praises Pennsylvania for texting law

Traffic safety officials are praising Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, who recently signed a bill into law that bans drivers from being able to send, receive or read text messages while they're behind the wheel.

"By signing this tough texting ban into law, Governor Corbett has taken a critical step toward creating safer roads for everyone in Pennsylvania," said Ray LaHood, secretary of the Department of Transportation. "Drivers need to remember that no text or call is worth a life."

LaHood and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have been at the forefront of discouraging the practice of texting behind the wheel. Two years ago, the agency launched distraction.gov, which provides consumers with informational resources and statistics about the dangers of distracted driving.

The texting law makes Pennsylvania the 35th state to prohibit motorists from text messaging. Nine states have banned drivers from using all hand-held devices, including cell phones.